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Just eight weeks ago that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.

“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”

In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?

That’s a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.

As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.

The Winning Formula

The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.

The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.

A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.

A Case for Belief

Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
• The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.

Savoring the Moment

However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.